Target Bans Guns In Stores, Advocacy Groups Weigh In

Target requests that customers not bring firearms into stores, even in regions where laws permit it.

July 2, 2014by Katie Greathouse

Target is taking aim at gun-toters. Interim CEO John Mulligan sent Target employees a notice that was later posted publicly on the company's blog. The letter outlined a new gun ban requesting that customers not bring firearms into Target stores, even if it is permitted in their region. (Via Flickr / Jay Reed)

Mulligan writes: "This is a complicated issue, but it boils down to a simple belief: Bringing firearms to Target creates an environment that is at odds with the family-friendly shopping and work experience we strive to create."

Target has been under pressure from gun control advocates for weeks now.

The campaign took off on Twitter with the hashtag "BackOnTarget." Following the announcement, Moms Demand Action tweeted: "@MomsDemand Applauds @Target for Asking Customers to Leave Their Guns at Home" and encouraged followers to call Target and thank the retailer for the ban.

As of Wednesday, according to USA Today, the petition had more than 400,000 signatures.

The founder of Moms Demand Action told the Los Angeles Times: "We support the 2nd Amendment, but people walking through the aisles flaunting their loaded weapons is unacceptable. How can we ... know if they are good guys or bad guys?"

Protests like this have been staged at other establishments in the past and have been criticized by some gun rights groups. The National Rifle Association issued a statement saying, "To those who are not acquainted with the dubious practice of using public displays of firearms as a means to draw attention to oneself or one's cause, it can be downright scary."

The NRA later apologized to fellow gun activists for the choice of words and maintains its main goal is to advocate for citizens' right to carry.